Apparatus for entering data from a data generating mechanism to an accumulation and print-out mechanism



United States Patent mm 0. Norton [72] Inventor 7 1,508,532 9/1924 Quentell....................... 235/58X 3,259,058

777 Rand A've., Oakland, California 94610 7/1966 Gassino et a1.... [21] Appl. No. 656,971

1/1967 Cortona et a1.

FOREIGN PATENTS 122,218 4/1931 Austria....;....

[22] Filed Juae7, 1967 [45] Patented Nov.3, 1970 89,839 7/1921 Switzerlandm.. 137,788 5/1930 Switzerland [54] APPARATUS FOR ENTERING DATA FROM A DATA GENERATING MECHANISM To AN 315,928 10/1956 Switzerland..................

ch determine the number which is stored and printed by the accumulation and printout mechanism.

Warren, Milmore, Cypher, Rubin and Brucker -actuated entry system for an adding on and printout mechanism wherein cyclically-generated, multidigit data is directed during the operating cycle of the accumulation and printout-mechanism to a plurality of solenoids which mechanically set the position M n W m M h s n w Hm KA m 0! P M .M h t. .wt mh 5 R nu P l m m r 00 .S SC :1 mm Au 0 m y x T .4. E CV. M E At r U Rm m a .l m h P m o c 3 .HU" Ba 1 PAA Am 0 6 9 M www mm un A 2 a Ms B m W4 C .0 E M mt o n1 S T mfiw T w WD. N W5 E T ni T N t 1 m n. R 92m C L mD mE nu M0 T NF "Woo A Al m3 mT N 1 r s 0' MD I." mm E L 6 U. .m U M. I 0... ww v m A U IF .4 mm m 51 5 H.

1,005,555 10/1911. Kettering.. 235/146 Patented Nov. 3, 1970 Shoot L of 5 .EZD lob-3m cwh mwlo 530 1 92 (low; uzrEnuzuc (.20

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Donald C. Norton BYOQQMN Attorneys Patented Nov. 3, 1970 Sheet INVENTOR. Donald C. Norton BY WM. W, Bwdbaz Attorneys Fig. 2

Patented Nov. 3, 1970 3,537,640

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77 1 76 79 -4la In. "6 1 INVENTOR. Donald C. Norton BY WIMKQW W, W 5

Attorneys APPARATUS FOR ENTERING DATA FROM A DATA GENERATING MECHANISM TO AN ACCUMULATION AND PRINT-OUT MECHANISM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Assignee's copending U.S. Pat. application of Donald C. Norton, Ser. No. 586,225, filed Oct. 1-2, 1966, for Automatic Adding Machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention related to accumulation and printout mechanisms such as those found in manually operated, electrically powered adding machines, and more particularly to accumulation and printout mechanisms of this variety used in conjunction with automatic data reading devices. Assignees copending patent application referred to above describes in detail an automatic adding machine which has functional capabilities below that of most tabulators, yet is capable of automatically processing data which is often manually processed. While assignee's copending application describes a highly effecient and most unique automatic adding machine, the concept of using a data reading mechanism to operate an adding machine originally designed for manual operation is, for the most part, well known in the art. One of several features which distinguishes assignees automatic adding machine from those previously known in the art is the utilization of an entry system for feeding information into the accumulation and printout mechanism of the adding machine which is more sophisticated than merely operating the keys of the adding machine with solenoids.

When the keys of an adding machine are merely sequentially actuated by solenoids which are operated in response to data being processed by an associated data reading mechanism (a punchcard reader, magnetic tape reader, punch tape reader, etc.), it is absolutely necessary for the adding machine mechanism to come to a complete stop while the solenoids operate the keys. Once the keys have been set the accumulation and printout mechanisms can then be energized to cycle in order to process the information placed in the adding machine. When adding machines are operated in this manner they are rarely capable of processing more than 40 entries per minute-a rate so low that it has prevented such devices from achieving commercial success in spite of relatively extensive advertising and promotion campaigns.

Assignees automatic adding machine teaches the use of an entry system which completely replaces the entry system of the adding machine, and which operates during the operating cycle of the accumulation and printout mechanism such that the mechanism can be continuously cycled. When the accumulation and printout mechanism of an adding machine is coupled to an entry system having the functional characteristics suggested above, the resulting device is capable of operation at a rate of approximately 200 entries per minute, which exceeds the normal commercial demands of approximately 175 entries per minute.

The present invention teaches an extremely simplified entry system for entering information into a mechanical accumulation and printout mechanism during the cyclic operation thereof and as such is highly advantageously used in conjunction with the automatic. adding machine described in assignee's copending patent application referred to above. It should be mentioned, however, that the entry system described hereinbelow is capable of operation in a number of environments. Those knowledgeable in the fieldof tabulators and adding machines will recognize that the entry system of the present invention is capable of advantageous operation with several systems not related to the automatic adding machine of assignee.s copending patent application.

Electrically powered, manually operated adding machines of popular use frequently employ a pin carriage which operates together with the keyboard of the adding machine to set a number of stops at locations which correspond to the digits to be entered into the accumulation and printout mechanism of the adding machine. After the stops are set, the adding machine is cycled and the stops engage racks to limit their travel. The particular digit which each of a plurality of such racks sets into the accumulator and printout mechanism is a function of their travel during a cycle. Thus, the stops determine how far each rack travels and thereby the numerical information which is accumulated and printed during each cycle. The present invention eliminates the entire pin stop mechanism of the adding machine and substitutes therefor a solenoid-operated entry system which operates in response to electrical signals. One of the outstanding contributions of the present invention resides in the recognition and utilization of the initial portion of the machine cycle during which the racks are notoperated. Since the racks are only operated during a portion of each cycle of the adding machine, the entry system of the present invention is designed to set stops during that portion of each cycle which precedes the operation of the racks, thus making it possible to cycle the adding machine continuously, and avoid the necessity of stopping the adding machine each time information is entered.

Synchronization between the data generating mechanism and the entry system to the accumulation and printout mechanism is assured through synchronization of the drive shaft of the mechanism which generates the data, and a shaft which forms a portion of the entry system and which drives a bail that determines the position of the stops which engage the racks of the accumulation and printout mechanism. A positive way of assuring this synchronization is taught in assignee's copending patent application wherein it is taught to mechanically connect the drive shaft of the data generating mechanism and the bail shaft of the entry system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an automatic adding machine system in which the entry system of the present invention forms an important part;

FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration of the entry system of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a side elevation showing a single entry system stop and its associated control mechanism together with the accumulation and printout mechanism including a-rack controlled by the stop.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A data generating mechanism 11 of the type having a cycle which includes a data generating portion and a nondata generating portion issues electrical signals during the data generating portion representing numerical information and directs them over a plurality of conductors gathered into a cable 12 to a patchboard 13 which selects a portion of that information and directs it over a plurality of conductors gathered into a cable 14 to the entry mechanism 16 of an accumulation and printout mechanism 17. The data generating mechanism 11 may take one of several well-known forms, such as a punchcard reader, punch paper tape reader, magnetic tape reader, etc. While it may take any one of these several forms, it is necessary that it be cyclic in operation and thus include in one form or another a shaft 18 the rotation of which is related to the, generation of numerical information from the mechanism. Shaft 18 can, for instance, represent the drive shaft of a card reader in which case it would normally be disposed between a motor and the mechanism which drives the feed rollers of the card reader. In effect each revolution of the shaft 18 represents the processing of the data on one card. By synchronizing the rotation of shaft 18 with a shaft 19 of the entry system 16, the correct numerical information is transferred to the accumulation and printout mechanism 17 from the card processed by the data generating mechanism 11. 0bviously, the rotation of shaft 18 may not have a one-to-one ratio to the reading of cards, but as long as it has some fixed relationship it is useful as a source of synchronization. The necessity for maintaining synchronization between the entry system 16 and the data generating mechanism 11 resides primarily in the fact that the data generating mechanism is of the type which distinguishes between digits by the time period of the data generating cycle portion during which it issues signals. Thus, by way of example, if each cycle of the generating mechanism 11 is thought of as being divided into parts, all pulses issued during the first time period of a cycle represent the digit one, while those issued during the second time period of a cycle represent the digit two, and so on. Actually, a cycle is normally divided into more than 10 cycle points sincepunchcards, for instance, normally include more than 10 data rows.

The example illustrates that it is crucial for the entry system 16 to be synchronized with the data generating mechanism 11 such that each is operating in the same portion of each complete cycle at the same time. When that synchronization is assured, the entry system 16 properly weighs the electrical pulses on the basis of when during the cycle the pulses are received. The entry system of the present invention, as will be described in more detail below, includes a mechanism which operates to divide the entry system cycle into discrete parts corresponding to the different time periods of the data generating cycle. A cooperating electromechanical device operates to set digit stops in response to signals from the data generating mechanism 11 at locations corresponding to the particular digit which such signals represent.

A relay module 21 and a cam-operated switch unit 22 are electrically joined to both the accumulation and printout mechanism andthe patchboard and function to control the operation of the accumulation and printout mechanism, as fully described in assignees copending patent application referred to above.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the accumulation and printout mechanism with which the entry system of the present invention operates includes a plurality of racks 31 which cooperate with accumulation pinions 32 and print wheels 33, in a manner well known in the art, to perform the various functions normally performed by electrically powered, manually operated adding machines. Each of the racks 31 (there is one rack associated with each print wheel 33, such that in an adding machine having a 13 digit capacity there will be 13 racks) is urged upwardly as by a spring 34 and, when allowed to travel in response to the spring force, engages the pinion 32 and print wheel 33 causing them to rotate. It follows that the distance traveled by a rack determines the extent of rotation of its associated pinion and wheel, and thus the numeral value which is accumulated in the accumulation mechanism and the particular digit which is printed on a platen 36. The particularly illustrated racks 31 and mechanism associated therewith for operating an accumulator and printout mechanism are not essential to the successful operation of the present invention and thus form no limitation. thereon.

Since it is the extent of the linear travel of each of the racks 31 which determines the numerical data which is processed by the accumulation and printout mechanism 17 during a cycle, the entry system 16 operates to locate a plurality of stops 37 at locations which result in the racks traveling distances which correspond to the data generated by the data generating mechanism 11. Each of the conductors which form the cable 14 represent a separate digit of the numerical information being generated by the mechanism 11. An electromechanical mechanism including solenoids 41 transduces electrical signals into mechanical motion for setting data into the entry. Thus, each conductor in cable 14 is associated with a separate solenoid 41 since each solenoid 41 is mechanically associated with one of the stops 37. Thus when the data generating mechanism 11 issues an electrical signal during the fifth time period of a cycle, for example, over a conductor which, through the plug board 13 is associated with the digit wheel 33 representing, e.g. the tenth digit, a solenoid 41 is energized during the fifth time period of the data cycle and operates to dispose its associated stop 37 in a location which will result in the associated slide 31 being limited to a linear movement corresponding to the number five. The particular location of the other stops 37 is set in a like manner, to represent particular digits.

Each stop 37 is integrally formed on a stop slide 42 which is mounted for generally vertical movement on a pair of transversely extending slide rods 43. The rods 43 pass through slots 44 formed along the length of the slides 42, giving the slides freedom of movement in a generally vertical direction within the limits determined by the ends of the slots 44. Spacers 46 are disposed on the rods 43 between slides 42 to maintain the proper spacing between adjacent slides, and thus assure generally parallel travel of the several slides.

The slides 42 are precisely located relative to the racks 31 such that the extending stops 37 are disposed for cooperative engagement with rack stops 47 which are integrally formed on each of the racks 31. When a restraining rod 48 is released from engagement with racks 31, the racks move upwardly in response to the force produced by springs 34. The movement of a rack ceases upon engagement of the rack stop 47 with one of the stops 37. Since, as described above, the distance of travel of a rack 31 determines the numerical information put into the accumulation and printout mechanism, the location of stops 37 is a critical factor in the overall operation of the device.

The stop slides 42, like the digit racks 31, are urged upwardly by a force which is applied at all times. in the case of the stop slides 42, this force is provided by individual slide levers 51 which are pivotally mounted at one end on a transversely extending rod 52. The other end of each rod 52 is disposed immediately adjacent the end of one of the slides 42. The levers 51 are disposed along the rod 52 at spacings which correspond to the spacings of the slides 42 along the rods 43. The ends of levers 51 adjacent the slides 42 are all independent of one another such that the upward movement of a given lever 51, as will be described in greater detail below, isunaffected by the particular movement or nonmovement of the other levers 51. In order to maintain proper spacing between the free ends of levers 51 each such lever carries a spacer 54 which is secured to the lever as by a short pin 56 which contacts the bottom of slide 42. Each lever 51 is connected to one end of a spring 57 the other end of which is connected to a fixed bracket member 61, at some location vertically above the highest contemplated position of the lever 51. The springs 57 are in tension and thus urge the levers 51 upwardly against slides 42 so as to impose an upward force thereon.

Counteracting the upward forces of springs 57 is a bail mechanism 62 which includes a generally transversely extending slide restraining rod 63 which is disposed generally parallel to the rods 43 and 52, and immediately adjacent the several slides 42. Each of the slides 42 includes an integrallyformed tab 64 which extends outwardly below the restraining rod 63 so as to be forced into contact therewith by the upward forces of levers 51. Thus, two forces operating on each slide 42 are the force of spring 57 urging it upwardly, and the force of bail mechanism 62 maintaining the slide at a location set.by the position of restraining rod 63. Other forces are applied to the slides 42 during the complete cyclic operation thereof, as will be described in greater detail below.

The bail mechanism 62 operates to divide the cycle of the entry mechanism 16 into essentially 10 parts, as mentioned above. Each end of the restraining rod 63 is carried in one of two spaced-apart support members 66, which are secured to a drive shaft 67, which is connected to a drive mechanism indicated generally at 68. The drive mechanism functions to drive the shaft 67 in a reciprocating motion through an arc of approximately 45. Thus, the movement of the bail mechanism 62 is between two extreme positions as illustrated by the solid lines and phantom lines of the support members 66 and restraining rod 63.

The drive mechanism 68 can be advantageously coordinated through a direct mechanical connection, or other synchronized device, with the drive mechanism of the data generating mechanism 11, so that the cyclic operation of the bail mechanism 62 is synchronized with the operation of the data generating mechanism.

The solid line representation of the entry mechanism in FIG. 3 shows the mechanism at the beginning of an entry cycle. The restraining rods 48 and 63 engage the racks and slides, respectively, and maintain them in their lowest positions. As the cycle of the entry mechanism commences, the shaft 67 begins its rotation in a counterclockwise direction, whereby the restraining rod 63 moves in a generally vertical direction enabling the springs 57 to move the slides upwardly. As the slides move upwardly, they carry with them their integrally formed stops 37 such that the stops 37 become space apart from the rack stop members 47.

The restraining rod 48 is not released from the racks 31 at the beginning of the entry mechanism cycle (in fact it is not removed until the end of the entry mechanism cycle) and thus the racks 31 do not move upwardly with the slides 42. If the slides 42 are unacted upon by any other portion of the entry mechanism during a complete cycle of the bail mechanism 62, the slides will travel from their lowest position to their highest position, as represented by the phantom line drawing of the tab 64, and then back down again. The only time that a slide will be allowed to travel to its highest position, however, is when it is to represent the digit zero, and under all other conditions (when it is to represent some other digit) it will be prevented from reaching its highest position and will be firmly fixed at some other position as will be described below.

Each of the slides 42 includes a vertical edge with nine indexing teeth 71 formed thereon for cooperative action with a set means such as a dog 72 pivotally mounted as at 73. Each dog 72 includes a tooth-engaging tip portion 74 designed to be driven into engagement with teeth 71 by the action of a spring 76 which urges the dog in a counterclockwise direction. The dogs 72 have a reset position in which a notch 77 formed in each dog registers with the end of an interposer 78. lnterposers 78 are slidably disposed on guide rods 7950 as to be movable into and out of engagement with the dog notch 77.

Each of the slides 42 is associated with a separate dog 72 and each of the dogs 72 is associated-with a separate inter-' poser 78. Further, each of the interposers 78 is operatively associated with a separate one of the solenoids 41 by a clapper arm 41a. Each of the interposers 78 has a notch 78a formed in its upper surface somewhere along its length, to receive the end of a solenoid clapper 41a. The position of a notch 78a is selected to correspond to the position of the end of its associate clapper 410 when the clappers solenoid is not energized. When the solenoid is energized, the clapper 41a is drawn toward the solenoid coil carrying the interposer 78 away from the notch 77 and releasing the dog for rotation in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, energization of a solenoid 41 results in the tip 74 of the associated dog 72 engaging one of the teeth 71 of the associated slide 42.

When a dog 72 engages the teeth of a slide 42 the upward movement of the slide is halted and the slide is held firmly in place. Thus, as the restraining rod continues to move upwardly the engaged slide remains fixed and the tab 64 separates from the restraining rod 63. The need for independent levers 51 is thus apparent.

Since the particular one of the nine teeth which is engaged by the tip 74 of dog 72 determines the vertical position of the stop 37, and thus the distance which the associated rack 31 will eventually travel, it is critical that the dog 72 engage that particular tooth which represents the same digit as the information responsible for tripping the dog. The ability of the entry system to function properly depends on synchronization between the bail mechanism 62 and the data generating mechanism 11. If a slide 42 is associated with a conductor which receives a pulse during the first of time periods of the read cycle of the data generating mechanism, it is essential that the solenoid 41 associated with that slide be energized before the first tooth 71 passes above the dog 72. This follows since the vertical position of slide 42 at which the first tooth is engaged by the dog 72 represents the digit one. In precisely the same manner, the fifth tooth 71, for example, must be adjacent the dog tip 74 when a solenoid receives a signal and is energized during the fifth time period of the data generating mechanism cycle. As previously mentioned, this synchronization is most effectively achieved in the novel manner taught in assingees copending patent application, referred to above.

When the bail mechanism 62 reaches the top of its cycle (restraining rod 63 at its highest point) all of the slides 42 have been set in those locations which result in a number being entered into the accumulator 32 and printed by the print wheels 33 which corresponds to the numerical information generated by mechanism 11. Accordingly, at some time after the bail mechanism reaches the top-of its cycle, the restraining rod 48 is released and the racks 31 are allowed to move upwardly to the extent allowable by the stops 37. After the accumulation and printout mechanisms have completed their operation the bail mechanism 62 begins its downward movement during which it returns all of the slides 42 to their lowest positions, (reset positions) making them ready to begin a new cycle and characterize a new number.

Since the digit zero is represented by zero travel of a rack 31, but is not represented by an electrical signal which precedes the digit one (zero being the absence of an electrical signal), special provisions must be made for representing a zero. For this purpose, a zero tab 81 is located near the bottom of each slide 42 and disposed to engage a tab 82 of a zero set mechanism 83 which includes a dog 84 mounted for pivotal movement about a connection 86. A spring 87 is connected at one of its ends to the dog 84 and at its other end to a fixed bracket 88 whereby the dog 84 is urged to rotate in a clockwise direction. The upper end of dog 84 is disposed adjacent to a pin 91 on rack 31 and carries a catch 89. The catch 89 engages the 'pin 91 only when the dog 84 is moved in a counterclockwise direction, and thus only when the force of spring 87 is overcome. The zero tab 81 is located on slide 42 at a position which causes engagement between tab 81 and tab 82 after the last tooth 71 passes the dog 72. The engagement of zero. tab 81 with tab 82 causes a clockwise rotation of dog 84 which, as mentioned above, results in catch 89 engaging pin 91, which in turn holds the rack 31 and prevents its upward movement when the restraining rod 48 is released. Thus, when the rod 48 is withdrawn from the racks 31, those racks which are associated with a slide that has been allowed to travel to its highest position (a rack associated with a solenoid 41 which has not been energized) will not move upwardly, and the digit zero will thus be characterized. As the bail mechanism 62 urges the racks downwardly, the tab 81 disengages the tap 82 and the spring 87 pivots the catch 89 out of engagement with pin 91 and thereby resets the zero set mechanism.

In order that the entire mechanism be reset when the bail 62 reaches its lowest position, it is necessary for the dogs 72 to be reestablished to their reset position. To perform this function the present invention employs a dog reset bail mechanism 100 including a transversely extending reset rod 101 disposed generally adjacent reset tabs 102 depending from the dogs 72. The ends of rod 101 are affixed to a pair of spaced-apart side brackets 103 (only one of which is shown) which are mounted for rotation about a pivot connection 104. The brackets 103 also carry a transversely extending contact rod 106 which is disposed to engage reset levers 107 carried by the bail mechanism 62. When the bail mechanism 62 approaches its lowest position, the reset levers 107 contact the rod 106 such that further downward motion of the bail mechanism 62 causes the brackets 103 to rotate clockwise about-their pivot When the bail mechanism 62 begins a new cycle and moves upward, the reset levers 107 disengage the rod 106 and the brackets 103 rotate counterclockwise about their pivot connection 104 until a lower limit stop 111 is engaged. It is essential that the counterclockwise rotation of bracket 103 occurs at the very beginning of a new cycle since the reset bail 100 must be rotated out of the way of the dogs 72 in order for the dog to operate properly. Thus, the bracket 103 must rotate the bail 101 out of an interfering position before the first impulse to a solenoid can be expected (before the first tooth 71 is adjacent dog tip 74).

One of the outstanding features of the present invention is its cyclic mode of operation and the fact that it sets all of the stops 37 during the normal cycle of the accumulation and printout mechanism. In other words, the accumulation and printout mechanism is continuously cycled at a speed commensurate with the capabilities of the particular machine being employed (normally between 175 and 225 cycles per minute). The bail mechanism 62 goes through a complete stop set operation (goes from its lowest slide-reset position to its highest slide-set position) during that portion of the accumulation and printout mechanism cycle which occurs prior to the release of the restraining rod 48 from the racks 31, and thus prior to the racks operating.

While the present invention has been described with reference to an accumulation and printout mechanism operating through a rack and pinion arrangement, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the adaptation of the present invention to other forms of adding machine mechanisms will not necessarily transcend the scope of the present invention, as the modifications necessary to adapt the present invention to such other forms will for the most part be within the capabilities of those having the normal skills of the art.

lclaim:

l. A data entry mechanism for transferring information from a cyclic data generating mechanism to a cyclic operating mechanical accumulation and printout mechanism wherein the mechanical accumulation and printout mechanism is characterized by a plurality of digit rack members which determine the character of the information accumulated and printed by the accumulation and printout mechanism by the extent of their travel during a cycle of the accumulation and printout mechanism comprising in combination;

a plurality of positionable stop slides disposed in close proximity to the digit racks and operative to engage the digit racks during the operation of the accumulation and printout mechanism and thereby determine the extent of travel of the digit racks; and

control means operatively associated with both the data generating mechanism and said stop slides and operative during the initial portionof the accumulation and printout mechanism operating cycle to set the position of said stop slides at information locations corresponding to the data generated by the data generating mechanism during a that same period. a

2. The data entry mechanism of claim 1 wherein said control means includes a shaft-driven cyclic mechanism which is driven by a power means which also drives the data generating mechanism and the accumulation and printout mechanism.

3. The data entry mechanism of claim 1 wherein said control means comprises:

spring means urging said stop slides in one direction;

bail means disposed to engage said stop slides and counteract the force of said spring means; and

hail operating means operatively associated with said bail means and the data generating means and operative during a data generating cycle to move said bail means in the general direction of the force applied to said stop slides by said spring means wherein said stop slides move in response to said spring means at a rate determined by the movement of said bail means.

4. The entry system of claim 3 wherein said control means further comprises; a plurality of stop slide set means operatively associated with both said stop slides and the data generating mechanism and operative after said bail means begins its movement and during a data generating cycle to selectively engage said stop slides and prevent them from further movement with said bail means.

5. The entry system of claim 4 wherein said control means further comprises; a plurality of solenoids operatively connected to said set means and electrically connected to the data generating mechanism and operative in response to signals from the data generating mechanism to cause set means to engage stop slides.

6. A data entry mechanism for transferring information from a data generating mechanism which is characterized by a cyclic operation wherein each cycle of operation includes a data generating portion during which electrical signals are generated and a nondata generating portion, to a mechanical accumulation and printout mechanism which is cyclic in operation and which includes a plurality of digit racks which are in operation during a portion of each accumulation and printout mechanism cycle and which are at rest during a portion of each such cycle, comprising in combination:

a plurality of positionable stop slides disposed to engage the digit racks during the operation of the racks and set a limit on the travel of the racks during a given cycle; and

stop slide control means for positioning said stop members operatively associated with the data generating mechanism to receive the signals therefrom and being responsive thereto to position said stop slides, said control means operative to position said stop slides during the accumulation and printout mechanism operating cycle.

7. The entry mechanism of claim 6 wherein said control means is further described as being operative to position said stop slides only during that portion of the accumulation and printout mechanism during which the digit racks are at rest.

8. The entry mechanism of claim 7 wherein said control means includes a bail which is driven through an operating cycle which includes a portion during which said stop slides are positioned, said control means operative to time the aforementioned position of the bail cycle to occur during the portion of the accumulation and printout mechanism cycle during which the digit racks are at rest.

9. The data entry mechanism of claim 6 wherein said data generating mechanism is of the type which distinguishes digit information by the particular time period during its data generating cycle portion in which it issues electrical signals and said stop slide control means is further described as comprising:

spring means associated with each of said stop slides and operative to impose a force on each said slide urging said slides toward one of their extreme positions;

bail means mounted for movement in the direction of the force applied by said springs and disposed adjacent said slides for engagement therewith; said bail means operative to restrain the movement of said slides in response to said spring means to a position relative to the position of said bail means;

indexing teeth formed in each of said slides along an edge thereof generally parallel to the direction of travel of said slides, the number of such teeth being equal to at least one lessthan the number of different digits between which the data generating mechanism is designed to distinguish;

a slide set dog mounted adjacent each of said slides for engagement with the indexing teeth thereof, said dogs operative when driven into engagement with its associated slide to lock said slide against further movement in response to said spring means;

bail drive means carrying said bail means and operative to drive said bail means through a cycle which includes a slide set portion in which said slides are given an opportunity to move to their one extreme position, wherein the spacing of said indexing teeth on a slide and the time required for such portion of the bail cycle is such that each time the data generating mechanism goes from one digit designation period to a different such period, those slides not restrained by one of said dogs moves sufficiently to put another one of its indexing teeth beyond said dog such that the ultimate position of any of said slides depends on when during the bailmeans cycle the side and its associated dog are put into engagement; and

electrically operated solenoid means electrically joined to said data generating means to receive electrical signals therefrom and mechanically joined to said dogs and operative in response to signals from the data generating means to selectively place said dogs into engagement with the teeth of said slide.

10. The data entry mechanism of claim 9 wherein said bail drive means is operative to carry said bail means through its slide set portion during the operating cycle of the accumulation and printout mechanism operating cycle and more specifically during that portion of the cycle during which the digit racks are at rest.

11. A data entry mechanism comprising in combination:

a plurality of individual stop slides disposed for generally parallel linear translational movement between an extreme lower position and an extreme upper position;

spring means associated with each of said stop slides and operative to impose a force on each of said slides in the direction of the upper position of said slides;

bail means disposed adjacent said slides for engagement therewith and translatory motion in approximately the same direction as said slide between a lower position and an upper position said bail means operative in its lower position to urge all of said slides to their extreme lower positions against said spring means while said spring means are able to urge said slide means toward their extreme upward positions as said bail means moves upwardly;

bail control means connected to said bail means and operable to cyclically drive said bail means from its lower position to its upper position and its upper position to its lower position;

a plurality of individual set means, each associated with one of said slide and each operable when urged into engagement with its associated slide to hold said slide in position and prevent it from further upward movement; and

a plurality of solenoids, one associated with each of said set means, each responsive to an electrical signal to urge its associated set means into engagement with a slide.

12. The entry mechanism of claim 11 wherein:

said slides are further described as having a plurality of teeth formed along one of the edges which is essentially parallel to the direction of travel of said slides; and

said set means are further described as dogs which are mounted for movement with and out of engagement with the teeth of said slides and operable when in engagement with one of said slide teeth to lock said slide from further upward movement.

13. The entry mechanism of claim 12 wherein: said bail control means is further described as being operative to move said bail means from its lower position to its upper position at a relatively constant rate of speed whereby the teeth of said slides pass by their associated dog within a given time interval such that a particular one of said slides can be stopped at a selected position by the proper timing of an electric signal to the one of said solenoids associated with that slide so as to have said dog engage the slide at the particular one of its teeth corresponding to the selected position.

14. The entry mechanism of claim 12 further comprising: dog reset means associated with both said dogs and said bail means and operative in response to said bail means approaching its lower position to urge said dogs to their out-ofengagement positions.

15. The entry of claim 11 wherein: each of said slides includes a tab extending essentially transverse to the direction of slide panel' and said bail means includes an elongated rod disposed above said slide tabs and extending transverse to both the direction of slide travel and said tabs so as-to be in a position to engage all of said tabs. 

